Sale limited to community-use buyer. On March 14, 2007, the Planning Commission approved DCAS’ application to sell the lot at 269 Henry Street in Manhattan containing a four-story firehouse used by FDNY Engine Company No. 15 until 2001 when it moved to Pitt and Delancey Streets.

In the land use review process, Community Board 3 and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer opposed an open-ended sale. Stringer requested a restriction on the sale requiring the new use to provide a clear community benefit. The board wanted DCAS to immediately withdraw the application to allow the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to continue negotiations toward a final sale of the firehouse to the Henry Street Settlement, a community group started in the late 1890s by Lillian Ward, located immediately adjacent to the building.

When the application reached the Planning Commission, DCAS explained that negotiations with HPD and Henry Street Settlement were ongoing. DCAS offered to place a hold on the sale if the Commission approved its application. Community Board 3’s District Manager, a representative for Council Member Alan Gerson, and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer’s Land Use Director Anthony Borelli remained opposed with both Gerson and the board asking for DCAS to withdraw the application.

The Commission ultimately approved after adding a restriction that the site be disposed only for use as a community facility. Commissioners Angela Cavaluzzi and Dolly Williams remained opposed. The Commission found that the restriction would aid discussions for the sale of the property to the Henry Street Settlement. The City Council must now vote on the disposition.